Anthony Sillitta: Spring is here, so where can I play tennis?

Its spring time and everyone is getting there tennis racquet out, getting into shape, and looking forward to playing the great game of tennis.

So where can I find a league or a round robin to play some tennis matches?

There are a number of local clubs, recreation departments, and USTA leagues that can help out. The USTA website at usta.com is a great starting point. The site has tournament information for the New England section of the USTA, league information, and local club affiliation for those tennis clubs in the area that support USTA programs.

Tennis Tip of the Month: Get your racquet in ready position.

When you are at the baseline waiting for a groundstroke try to get your racquet back and set for your shot by turning both your shoulders and hips and moving your feet into position so that you’re ready to make contact with the tennis ball off to the side of your body. Too many players leave the racquet out in front of them while the ball is traveling toward them and when the ball bounces they rush through the progression of getting their racquet ready. It’s imperative that you have your racquet ready to go forward and strike the ball as the ball bounces. If the racquet is ready you can make adjustments to bad bounces, move to a ball that is away from you or away from a ball that is coming right at you. Getting prepared to make the shot early will allow you to have more balance and a better contact point when you make your shot.

Stretch of the Month: Lower back

Tennis requires a lot trunk rotation to play the game so warming up your back is a smart idea. Start off by completing about three minutes of light joking or jumping rope to warm up the body, muscles, and to get your blood circulating.

Lay on your back putting your hands out as if you were making a T. Bend your knees up to your chest and then gently move your knees to one side of your body while trying to keep your shoulders in contact with the ground. Do this gently and slowly making sure to breathe in as you move your legs from side to side. Taking in oxygen (breathing) allows your muscles to stretch a little easier.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the game of tennis for a lifetime. Anthony Sillitta is the Tennis Director for Seacoast Sports Clubs-Great Bay he can be reached at asillitta@gmail.com.